Early influences include Beatles,Stones,Shadows,Hendrix,EC usual bunch !
Then West Coast bands like Eagles, Steely Dan, Dr Hook, Doobie Brothers.
Later came Camel (Andy Latimer), Geoff Whitehorn, Ian Bairnson, Steely Dan, Mark Knofler, Carlos Santana, Larry Carlton, Dave Gilmour.
And over the last 4 years Robben Ford & the Blue Line, Matt Schofield, Albert Collins, BB King, Albert King, Freddie King, Chris Cain and many many more ....
Started playing guitar at 16 in a local band "Peter Night & the Nightrider".
Changed the name to Atlantics for record contract, then TranAtlantics. Appeared regularly on BBC radio, Easy Beat, Saturday Club, Joe Loss show, Monday Monday and many others. Appeared in an Easter show with Beatles and Hollies called "From us to you". Most shows were broadcast LIVE from the theatres in London like "Playhouse","Paris", Maida Vale".
TV appearances on "Thank you Lucky Stars" and "Five O'clock Funfair"
Reformed in 1967 as the Wake and appeared on "Top of the pops".
Gave up playing in 1970 to get married. Sold my Les Paul Junior and Marshall head for £100 as deposit on a house ! After a few years started playing again in several local bands, including 9 months at the "Talk of the South" with George Moody.
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Gave up playing at forty disillusioned with the local club screen.
Started giving lessons to my son Andrew when he was 14 and fanatical about Eric Clapton. Got sucked into the home studio craze and spent the next 5 years writing and recording in the style of my hero Andy Latimer from Camel.
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In 2004 after 20 years off the road. plucked up courage to play at a blues jam at the Half Moon ,Bishop Storford and have never looked back. Now a regular house band member at SEAXE, Heathcote, Half Moon, Bishop's Storford and the Globe in Hackney.
I play in a busy four piece blues band of three years standing, "Bad Hair Day". Check out the Myspace for BAD HAIR DAY.
I also occasionally gig with a trio called "JET" ( John Edmonds Trio), which I formed with other working musicians as an outlet for my love of more jazzy blues.
Here are some really old pictures.
International Guitar Festival - Matt Schofield Blues Academy 2007
Hi John! North Carolina is funky and great keyboards too. Check out my songs and pics when you got some time. Thanks for your friendship. Take care Simon
Hi John, I see the approaching senility's getting to you too. I just read your pre-Xmas message to me, but you posted it on your comments instead of mine. Well Happy New Year anyway! Stevie King
Hi Steve, Glad the Super is holding up. Don't think I can make the Heathcote Xmas bash. I am seeing Robben Ford Sunday at Jazz Cafe, Globe, Hackney Monday & Hot Hob Xmas jam at Pam's Tuesday. If not have a great night and see you in the new year. I'm on duty on the 9th. John
Hi John, I opened for Devon Allman's Honeytribe last friday, the Super got a lot of attention from everybody, even Devon himself, cheers mate, hopefully see you on the 19th.